Fire resistant storage structure

ABSTRACT

A free-standing storage structure comprising uprights, beams releasably secured to the uprights by means of locking assemblies on the ends of the beams, and load-carrying members spanning between the beams, is provided with fire protection apparatus for the structure. The fire protection apparatus includes a wet upright having a conduit which contains a fire-retardant substance and which forms a structural component of the upright, the conduit being connected to pipes extending across the back of the structure for discharging the fire-retardant substance in response to a fire. Coupling means is provided to interconnect the conduits of aligned uprights when the structures are stacked vertically and to connect the uppermost end of the conduit to a source of fire-retardant substance. In order to promote dispersion of the fire-retardant substance, the load carrying members are fastened in spaced parallel relation to the beams by means of upstruck ears on the beams which are deformed during assembly of the structure into interlocking engagement with flanges on the members.

United States Patent m1 Seiz [54] FIRE RESISTANT STORAGE STRUCTURE [76] inventor: Edward Seiz, 136 East Third Street, Lansdale, Pa.

[22] ,Filed; April 16, 1971 [21] App]. No.: 34,6181 I Related U.S. Application Data [6 3] Continuation-impart of Ser No. 15,998, March 3,

1970, Pat. No. 3,626,487, which is a continuation-inpart of Ser. No. 728,182, May 10, 1968, Pat. No. 3,545,626.

[52 U.S. Cl... ..169/2 R, 169/16 [51] Int.Cl .5. ..A62c 35/00 [58] Fieldof Search ..169/2 R, 5,16

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,539,108 11 19/70 Lillibridg e etal. ....i ..169/l6X 2,734,583 2/1956 Milan ..l69/2 R 3,208,534 9/1965 Kazarian ..l69/2 R 3,520,345 '7/l970 Lillibridge et al ..l69/2 R 3,626,487

12/1971 Seiz ..l69/2 R X [4 lMalch 13, 1973 Primary Examiner'-M. Henson Wood, Jr.

Assistant Examiner-John J, Love Attqmey-Howson and Howson 57 ABSTRACT A free-standing storage structure comprising uprights, beams releasably secured m the uprights by means of locking assemblies on the-ends ofthe beams, and loadcarrying members spanning between the beams, is provided with fire protection apparatus for the structure. The fire protection apparatus includes a wet upright having a conduit which contains a fire-retardant substance and which forms a structural component of the upright, the conduit being connected to pipes extending across the back of the structure, for

9 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures Seiz United States Patent 1 p r '0 98988908089 9909890 99989896 eseaoaoeeeoo 3,720,268 l lMarch l3, 1973 PATENTEEM 1 3:573

SHEET 1 BF 4 FIG. I.

mvcm'oa: EDWARD A. SEIIZ ATTYS.

PATENTEUMAR 131925 SHEET 2 [IF 4 g} FIGZ.

i I I mvzuroa: EDWARD A. SEIZ ATTYS.

PATENTEDHAR 1 31075 SHEET '4 BF 4 FIG. IO.

INVCNTORZ EDWARD A. SEIZ 4 FIRE RESISTANT STORAGE STRUCTURE 1 The present application is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application Ser. No'. 15,998, filed Mar.

Presently, many warehouses have sprinkler systems for dispersing water or fire-retardant chemicals in the vicinity of a fire when it occurs. In order for the sprinkler system to be most effective, however, it is desirable for the sprinkler heads to be located in close proximity to the fire so that the water or chemical can be sprayed directly thereon without interference by shelving which tends to deflect the flow of the fire-extinguishing fluid. With a view toward solving this problem, a storage structure has been provided which promotes the distribution of fire-extinguishing fluid.

In my earlier patent application Ser. No. 15,998, continuous shelving spans between horizontallydisposed load beams for supporting. load materials.

' Because of the propensity for such shelvingto interfere with the dispersion of fire-retardant substance, a shelv- I ing structure which permitsthe ready passage of the fire-retardant substance is highly desirablefSuch shelving is particularly suited for use in storage structures in which combustible materials such" as carpets and the like are stored.

A degree of permeabilitymay be afforded shelving in a storage structure by locating load-planks at spaced in- I I when the load materials are being removed, since there is a tendency for the beams to bow outwardly when the materials are slid from the shelving. Accordingly, a

storage structure possessing shelving which is permeawhich may be readily stacked for shipping and which when assembled according to the present invention, provide structural support comparable to heavy structuralmembers. i

As a still further object, the present invention provides an improved rack structure which is economical to assemble.

More specifically, the present invention provides a fire-resistent storage structure which comprises end frames each having a pair of uprights connected together by bracing and a seriesof horizontally-extending load-carrying beams extending parallel to one another between the frames. Each end of each beam is releasably secured to its associated uprights by means of a locking assembly which includes a key-like element engaging through holes in the uprights and operable. upon rotation in opposite directions to mount and dismount the beam. Fire protection is provided for the structure by means of a wet upright having a conduit extending between platesmounted on opposite ends response to a tire by means of heads mounted on pipes extending laterally outward from the upright and connected to taps located at spaced intervals in the conduit. Coupling means is provided to connect the conduit to a pressurized supply of the fire-retardant substance. In order to promote the dispersion of the fireretardant substance in and around the structure, the shelving includes a series of support members spanning between the beams at spaced intervals. The support members have longitudinally extending flanges which are inte'rlockingly engaged adjacent each end by means of downwardly forced ears struckupwardly from ledge means on the beam. Stake means :is also struck from the ledge means and operates to temporarily locate the members during assembly onto the beams and to position thememb'ers during subsequent deformation of the ear means against the flanges to interlock the members and the beams.

ble tofire-retarding fluids and which is capable of being I installed in a minimum amount'of time and without skilled labor is highly desirable.

In some storage structures, heavy load supporting members have been used to provide maximum re sistance to deflection under load. To reduce the 'weight of the structure when unloaded and for shipping, load support members have been formed from sheet metal into various shapes such as box beams and the like. It is noted, however, that the cost to manufacture such beams has not been justified in relation to the weight reduction obtained and the negligible reduction in shipping volume.

With the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel storage structure which promotes the-distribution of a fire-extinguishing substance in the vicinity of the structure in I These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with r the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with portions broken I FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line I 5-5 of FIG. 3 to illustrate ear means by which the sup- I portmembers are fastened to the beams;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view. similarto FIG.

FIG. is an enlarged, partially-sectioned view as seen from the line 10-10 in FIG. 1 showing a coupling fixture for stacking the wet uprights,

FIG. 11 is a similar view showing a coupling fixture for connecting the upper end of the wet upright to a pressurized source of fire-retardant substance; and

FIG. 12 is a reduced side elevational view illustrating a flexible connection between the coupling of FIG. 11 and a pressurized source of the fire-retardant substance.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 the rear of a storage structure or rack 10 embodying the present invention. In the present instance, the structure comprises three dry uprights 13, one wet upright 14, and beams 16,16 which extend horizontally between the uprights. The uprights at each end of the structure are connected together in spaced relation by means of bracing 17 extending both horizontally and diagonally between adjacent uprights to thereby provide a free-standing structure. In the illustrated embodiment, shelving in the form of a series of support members 19,19 spans across the beams 16 for supporting load materials, for example, rolls of carpeting (not shown).

In accordance with the present invention, the support members 19,19 are securely fastened in spaced parallel relation to one another and to the beams by means of a connection which enables economies to be effected in the assembly of the structure. To this end, each support member 19 has longitudinally extending flange means 190,190 and the members are secured to the beams by means of upstruck ears 20,20 which are displaced downwardly during assembly to interlockingly engage the flange means 190,190 and thereby to prevent outward bowing of the beams and possible disarray on or disengagement of the members from the beams. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, each support member 19 is of one-piece, angulated or rolled-channel construction, having an inverted U- shaped transverse cross-section (FIG. 4) with an upwardly-facing load-engaging surface 19a and a pair of longitudinally extending upright web portions 19b,19b which terminate in the flanges 190,190. In the illustrated embodiments, the flanges 190,190 are disposed in a plane parallel to the load-surface 19a and are turned at a right angle with respect to the upright web portions 19b,19b. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the flanges 190,190 are turned outwardly from the webs 19b,19b and the ears 20,20 engage the flanges 190,190 outboard of the webs 19b,19b; however, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, flanges 1190,1190 are turned inwardly toward .one another and the ears 120,120 engage the flanges 1190,1190 inboard of the webs 119b,119b.

For the purpose of locating the members 19,19 relative to the beams 16,16 before the ears 20,20 are interlocked with the flanges 190,190, stake means is provided on the beams. As may be seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, the stake means include a pair of upstruck stakes or stops 21,21 which engage the upright webs 19b,l9b on the sides thereof opposite the flanges 190,190. In addition to locating the members during assembly, the stops 21,21 prevent displacement of the webs 19b,19b away from the ears 20,20 when the ears are forced downwardly into engagement with the flanges. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, stops 121,121 are also provided for the same purpose.

In the present invention, ledge means on the beams underlies and supports the ends of the support members 19,19 and the ears 20,20 and props 21,21 are struck upwardly from the ledge means. As seen in FIG. 3, the ledge means includes an angle member- 22 extending along substantially the length of the beam 16 and secured thereto at spaced intervals by threaded fasteners 23,23. In both embodiments of the present invention, the ears are connected to the ledge means a spaced distance from the upright web portions and extend laterally or transversely to the support member. In

the present instance, each beam has a downwardly-offcoplanar with the top edge 16b of the beam 16. Thus, a

substantially planar shelf-surface is provided in the structure 10.

Preferably, both the angle member 22 and the support members 19,19 are of steel; however, it is desira ble for the material of the angle member 22 to be harder relative to the support memberso as to sever at least a portion of the outer margin of the flange and to displace the severed portion into the recess 24 formed when the ear 20 is struck from the angle member 22. Thus, the car 20 resists in horizontal shear forces tending to bow the beam 16 and to disengage the support members 19,19 therefrom.

.In assembling the shelving, after erection of the structure 10 as described in my aforementioned patent applications, the support members are arranged on the angle members 22 with the stakes or stops 21,21 engaging the web portions thereof, and the ears 20,20 are struck downwardly, for example, by means of a punch and hammer to effect a secure interconnection. The angle members 22,22 are then fastened to the beams 16,16 by the threaded fasteners 23,23.

An important advantage'is realized when the support members are secured in this manner. By virtue of this connection, the flanges 190,190, and hence the upright web portions 19b,19b, are constrained against outward displacement when the support member is loaded, and thus there is provided at the ends of the support members a box-like structurewhich functions to increase the flexural resistance of the support member. Hence, a strong but lightweight support structure is provided, resulting in the economies noted heretofore.

Although the stakes 21,21 and the ears 20,20 are struck. from a separate angle element 22, it may be desirable in certain instances to strike them from the beam 16. For instance, the stakes and ears could be struck from the downwardly-offset portion 16a of the beam. In the present instance, however, separate angle members are employed to facilitate assembly and to permit the use of standard beams which are normally installed in structures of the type described herein and in my aforementioned patent applications.

As noted heretofore, and as noted in the patent application Ser. No. 15,998, some storage structures may tend to interfere with the distribution of fire-extinguishing water or chemicals by warehouse sprinkler systems. However, according to the present invention, there is provided an improved storage structure which promotes the distribution of fire-retardant substances at spaced .intervals in and about the structure. In the present instance, the fire-retardant substance is water and the dispersing means includes sprinkler heads 50 (FIG. 1) mounted in spaced relation on passage means or pipes 51 extending between the uprights; of course, if the fire-retarding substance is a chemical liquid or powder, another type of sprinkler head may be employed. As illustrated in FIG. 1, one end of each pipe 51 is supported on one of the dry uprights 13 by means of a bracket 52 welded or otherwise secured to the upright 13, and an inverted U-bolt 53 clamps the end of the pipe to the bracket 52. Each pipe 51 is connected at its other end to a tap 54 (FIG. 7, sheet 3) protruding through an opening 55 in the web 140 of the wet upright 14. The pipe 51 is connected to a tap 54 by a tee 56, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, to thereby provide fire protection for adjacent storage structures; however, in some installations short lateral pipe runs may provide adequate protection, thereby eliminating the need for brackets to support the long pipe runs as are present in the illustrated embodiment.

In order to supply the water to the taps 54, a conduit 60 is provided whichforms a structural component of the upright 14 on the back of thestructure. As may be seen in FIG. 7 (Sheet 3), the wet upright 14 is a combination of the conduit 60 and a channel element 64 of U-shaped cross-section housing a pair of flanges 64b integral with its web 640. The conduit 60 is preferably formed of steel tubing and is secured to the flanges 64b by means of weldments 61 coextensive in length therewith. Thus, the conduit 60 cooperates with the channel element 64 to form a closed tubular upright having substantial strength.

It is to be noted that each of the dry uprights 13 has a rolled rectangular cross-section with inturned portions or lipswhich are secured in'edgewise abutting relation by means of the bracing 17 to form a closed tubular upright, however, for a more detailed description of the construction of the dry uprights, as well as the beamlocking assemblies, and the like, reference is made to my aforementioned patent application Ser. No. 15,998 and my earlier U.S.Pat. No. 3,545,626, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The bottom of the wet upright 14 terminates in a flange plate 62 welded thereacross and having a passageway 63 in registry with the bore of the conduit 60. A hearing plate 65 is connected to the flange plate by means of bolts or studs68 (See FIGS. 1 and 9, Sheets 1 and 4) to positively seal the conduit. The plate 65 has a cylindrical insert 66 engaged in the passageway 63 and sealed therein by a compressed O- ring 67. The three dry uprights are similarly closed on their bottom ends by a flangeplate 70 and are con nected to a bearing plate 71 by bolts or studs 72 projecting upwardly from the plate 71 (See FIG. 8, Sheet 3). It is to be noted that the thickness of the bearing plate 65 is greater than that of the bearing plate 71, the reasons for which should become apparent hereinafter.

In accordance with the present invention, coupling means is provided to permit the structures to be stacked vertically and coupled together in tiers and to connect the wet uprights to a supply of water under pressure or other suitable fire-retardant, as illustrated in FIG. 12 (Sheet 3). To this end, the tops of the uprights 13 and 14 have upper flange plates 70a and 62a adapted to mate with the bottom flange plates. When stacked, the flange plates and 70a are bolted together in flush engagemenpand the plates 65 and 65a are connected with an insert disposed therebetween. In the present instance, as may be seen in FIG. 11 (Sheet 4) the insert 80 has a tubular neck 81 telescopically received in the registering bores 63 of the plates 62 and 62a, and the insert 80 has a flange 82 extending outwardly from the neck 81 and between the plates 62 and 62a. Sealing rings 78 are mounted around the neck, and a fluid-tight connection is effected by bolts 85 passing through the plates 62 and 62a and the flange 82 to compress the ring. To accomodate the flange 82, each of the plates 62 and 62a is thinner than the plates 70 and 70a on the dry uprights by an amount which corresponds to substantially one half the thickness of the flange 82. Likewise, the bearing plates 71 on the bottoms of the dry uprights are correspondingly thinner than the bearing plate 65 on the wet upright. When stacked and properly assembled, the flange 82 may be observed to ensure the presence of a fluid-tight coupling before the system is pressurized. The differences in thickness of the plates enables uprights of standard length to be used in fabricating the structure thereby to effect manufacturing economies.

To avoid damage when the storage structure is slightly displaced, for example, when struck by a lift truck during loading, in accordance with the present invention, flexible connecting means is provided to connect the conduit 60 to the warehouse sprinkler system or other supply of fire-retardant substance. To this end, a supply coupling (FIG. 11) is provided for the upper end of the conduit 60, and a length of flexible hose 74 carrying fittings on each end is provided to connect the coupling 100 to a sprinkler header 73. As may be seen in FIG. 11, the coupling 100 includes a flange plate 101, similar to the plates 62 and 621 1, and having a bore around which an externally-threaded nipple 102 is welded. The coupling 100 is connected to the upper end of the wet column 14 in the same manner as the stacking of the columns 14 with the use of an insert 80, sealing rings 78 and bolts 85. When the conduit 60 is connected to the header 73 through the flexible hose 74 (FIG. 12, Sheet 3), the structure may be displaced slightly without breaking the connecting to cause leakage of water or other fire-retardant substance.

In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that a novel storage structure which possesses fire-resistant features has now been provided. Included among the fire-resistant features is the provision of a sprinkler system closely associated with the structure and improved shelving which promotes thedistribution of fireretarding material in and about the structure. Also, the improved shelving issecurely fastened to the beams in the structure by means ofa unique connection which maintains the shelving in proper array on the beams and which is readily effected .without the need for secured transversely across the ends of each uprightand a conduit extending along at least one of said uprights and connected at each of its ends to a flange plate for containing a fire-retardant substance therein, said one upright having a channel member with a pair of flanges projecting from its web and said conduit extending between said flanges and being secured thereto along their lengths, passage means connected to said conduit, means connected to said passage means for dispersing said substance in response to a fire, and means coupling said conduit to a source of said substance, whereby the fire-retardant substance is dispersed in the vicinity of the structure in response to a fire.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said passage means includes at least one tap projecting through said web plate from said conduit and a pipe connected at one end to said tap and extending laterally outward from said upright, said dispersing means including at least one sprinkler head mounted on said pipe.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes a flange plate aligned with the flange plate on one end of said one upright, each of said flange plates having a transverse bore therethrough in registry with said conduit, a tubular insert telescopi cally received in said bores, sealing means surrounding said insert in said bores to prevent leakage of said substance, and means to secure said insert in said bores and said plates in alignment, whereby a leak-resistant coupling is provided.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said insert securing means includes a flange extending outwardly from said insert coextensive with an intermediate said flange plates and a series of bolts extending through said flange and said flange plates, so that a secure interconnection is effected upon tightening said bolts.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said sealing means includes a sealing ring mounted in compression against the insert to effect a tight seal.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support members are disposed in spaced parallel relation on said beams, and including flange means on said members supported by said beams and ear means carried on said beams and interlockingly engaging said flange means to prevent disengagement of said support members from said beams.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said support members are of one-piece angulated construction having at least one upright web portion with said flange means disposed at an angle with respect to said web portion, and including stake means on said beams engaging said web portion on the side thereof opposite said flange means for positioning said support member relative to said beams during assembly of the structure.

8. An upright for a storage structure comprising a hollow conduit for a fire-retardant substance, a channel element coextensive with said conduit, means for dispersing said fire-retardant substance in the vicinity of said upright in response to a tire, passage means providing communication between the interior of said conduit and said dispersing means, and means for coupling one end of said conduit to a source of said fire-retardant substance.

9. In a storage structure comprising spaced uprights, at least a pair of horizontally-spaced beams extending between said uprights, and a series of load-carrying support members carried on and spanning between said beams, the improvement comprising: a hollow conduit integral with one of said uprights for containing a fire retardant substance, means for dispersing said fire retardant substance in the vicinity of said upright in response to a fire, passage means providing fluid communication between the interior of said conduit and said dispersing-means, and means for coupling one end of said conduit to a source of said fire retardant substance. I 

1. In a storage structure comprising spaced uprights, at least a pair of horizontally-spaced beams extending between said uprights, and a series of load-carrying support members carried on and spanning between said beams, the improvement comprises a flange plate secured transversely across the ends of each upright and a conduit extending along at least one of said uprights and connected at each of its ends to a flange plate for containing a fire-retardant substance therein, said one upright having a channel member with a pair of flanges projecting from its web and said conduit extending between said flanges and being secured thereto along their lengths, passage means connected to said conduit, means connected to said passage means for dispersing said substance in response to a fire, and means coupling said conduit to a source of said substance, whereby the fire-retardant substance is dispersed in the vicinity of the structure in response to a fire.
 1. In a storage structure comprising spaced uprights, at least a pair of horizontally-spaced beams extending between said uprights, and a series of load-carrying support members carried on and spanning between said beams, the improvement comprises a flange plate secured transversely across the ends of each upright and a conduit extending along at least one of said uprights and connected at each of its ends to a flange plate for containing a fire-retardant substance therein, said one upright having a channel member with a pair of flanges projecting from its web and said conduit extending between said flanges and being secured thereto along their lengths, passage means connected to said conduit, means connected to said passage means for dispersing said substance in response to a fire, and means coupling said conduit to a source of said substance, whereby the fire-retardant substance is dispersed in the vicinity of the structure in response to a fire.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said passage means includes at least one tap projecting through said web plate from said conduit and a pipe connected at one end to said tap and extending laterally outward from said upright, said dispersing means including at least one sprinkler head mounted on said pipe.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes a flange plate aligned with the flange plate on one end of said one upright, each of said flange plates having a transverse bore therethrough in registry with said conduit, a tubular insert telescopically received in said bores, sealing means surrounding said insert in said bores to prevent leakage of said substance, and means to secure said insert in said bores and said plates in alignment, whereby a leak-resistant coupling is provided.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said insert securing means includes a flange extending outwardly from said insert coextensiVe with an intermediate said flange plates and a series of bolts extending through said flange and said flange plates, so that a secure interconnection is effected upon tightening said bolts.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said sealing means includes a sealing ring mounted in compression against the insert to effect a tight seal.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support members are disposed in spaced parallel relation on said beams, and including flange means on said members supported by said beams and ear means carried on said beams and interlockingly engaging said flange means to prevent disengagement of said support members from said beams.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said support members are of one-piece angulated construction having at least one upright web portion with said flange means disposed at an angle with respect to said web portion, and including stake means on said beams engaging said web portion on the side thereof opposite said flange means for positioning said support member relative to said beams during assembly of the structure.
 8. An upright for a storage structure comprising a hollow conduit for a fire-retardant substance, a channel element coextensive with said conduit, means for dispersing said fire-retardant substance in the vicinity of said upright in response to a fire, passage means providing communication between the interior of said conduit and said dispersing means, and means for coupling one end of said conduit to a source of said fire-retardant substance. 